NAACP in the News (July 6th)

In an appearance on MSNBC News with Alex Witt, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson reminded all Americans that elections have consequences and that voting in the 2018 midterm elections on November 6 is critical to correcting the fallout (i.e. net neutrality reversal, Supreme Court of the United States shifting further from balance) of 2016. Watch the video here.

“It’s hard to legislate what’s in someone’s heart. The only thing you can do is put accountability measures in place and hope that different communities embrace a multi cultural reality where people can have a greater appreciation and understanding,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. After several months of back to back national incidents in which white citizens have called the police on black citizens performing everyday activities, President Johnson sits down with PBS’ Yamiche Alcindor to discuss #LivingWhileBlack.

The NAACP slammed the Trump administration’s move to rollback guidelines on race in college admissions. “By encouraging schools to not consider race during the admissions process or potentially in any other circumstance, President Trump is undermining the benefits of diversity in schools and accelerating the socio-economic divide. Rolling back access to quality education for all students is a top priority for this Administration,” NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement.

Washington Post: Decades of progress are in peril
“This court has already undermined basic rights we all believed we enjoy as Americans — the right to strong unions that bargain collectively, one person one vote principles, redistricting, and regarding the right of women to make their own health care decisions. The stakes for nominating a replacement could not be higher at any moment in our history.” – NAACP

New Pittsburgh Courier: NAACP: Trump’s war against civil rights
Recently, the NAACP, alongside members of the Congressional Black Caucus, gathered on the steps of Capitol Hill to demand a halt of the Trump administration’s continued attempts to force Thomas Farr—a known racist with ties to the late segregationist Senator Jesse Helms—into the federal judgeship of North Carolina.

Michigan Chronicle: NAACP AND Fifth Third Bank launch Workforce Development Program
Fifth Third launched a collaboration with the NAACP in 2016 as a sponsor of its national convention. The Workforce Development Program is a collaborative effort between the organizations to provide a resource to the community. “We are pleased to work with Fifth Third to introduce the Workforce Development program to job seekers,” said Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, president, Detroit Branch NAACP and member of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “We know that this program will ultimately equip individuals with the tools that they will need to contend with others in today’s competitive job landscape.”

NPR: Obama-Era Guidelines Encouraging Affirmative Action RescindedThe current administration clearly disagrees and calls the guidance outdated and inconsistent with current law. But civil rights groups say the move actually sets the country back. Derrick Johnson runs the NAACP. Derrick Johnson: It is true that this administration is seeking to make America great again by turning America back to a 1950s reality.

Tennessee Tribune: NAACP President Said Communities Need Sorority Action on Social Justice IssuesNAACP President Derrick Johnson on June 29 wasn’t expecting to address a “red army” of women ready to take action on social justice issues at the 46th annual Southern Regional Conference of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in Nashville. But when he looked out at the audience of over 4,500 women dressed in red, some with berets, as well at the sorority’s Social Action Luncheon, he said it was “time to stop talking and do social action; do social justice.”

When James Douglas told his teachers during career day in high school in the late 1950s that he wanted to be a lawyer, they didn’t believe his dreams could come true. “All of my teachers thought I was crazy,” Douglas said. “In fact, they told me that would be one of the worst things I could do because an African-American would never be able make a legitimate living in Houston as a lawyer.”

WNEM TV/Radio: NAACP meeting focuses on getting voters registered
Election season is quickly approaching and local leaders are encouraging families to do their civic duty. Representatives at the NAACP meeting in Saginaw say if you want to see a change you have to be involved in local government. It was the last NAACP meeting before the August primaries, so the theme is voting.

Today's #BlackHistoryMonth highlight: The @NAACP's vision is to ensure a society where all people have equal rights without racial discrimination. We strive to empower those who are dedicated to improving our world! To learn more about this #org, visit: https://t.co/Ec7MQZEScg